1996 Recall

[blairracd]

There is only 1 recall for my vehicle, and it's really only for 2wd. I looked up my VIN on Toyota and got this.

"Safety Recalls:
Title
Safety Recall 20A - 1996 to early 1998 MY 4Runner Rear Suspension
Status
Remedy Available
Description
A combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading to rear gross axle weight rating (rear GAWR) and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)) and specific severe steering maneuvers observed during testing may cause the 1996 to early 1998 model year (MY) 2WD 4Runner to lose directional stability. This may result in a loss of control and may increase the risk of an accident. Toyota has included the 1996 to early 1998 4WD 4Runners in this SSC, although the 4WD has different rear suspension characteristics. The Special Service Campaign may have a beneficial effect on ride comfort for 1996 to early 1998 MY 4WD 4Runners under certain load and rough road conditions.
Remedy
Any Toyota dealer will replace certain rear suspension components at NO COST to you.
Recall Date
January 18, 2002
"

Would this be beneficial to get? Or would it just be a waste of time?

 

[SURF RUNNER]

It is their time, money and parts. I would do it - new OEM parts and a recommended recall service item. If you need it they should give you a loaner or a courtesy ride as well.

 

[T4R2014]

You will get brand new rear coils and different bump stops. I got that letter ~15 years ago in the mail. Still haven't gotten it done lol. Surprisingly(or not), my dealer has never mentioned the open recall despite getting servicing done there a bunch of times after receiving the letter.

 

[blairracd]

I don't really have any rear sagging but I think it'd be nice to get new parts.

 

[02SE]

The only time my '97 V6 4wd which I bought new has been back to the Dealer, was to have that recall performed, in March of 2002. So I just went through my 4Runner file, and found the invoice from Recall 20A.

Assuming the recall is still being done, you should get:

1 04001-45135 Kit, Hollow Spring (basically a conical bump stop which sits inside the coil spring)

1 04001-45435 Kit, Coil Spring

After the install, which according to the invoice took them a half-hour from start to finish, I noticed the rear end had a bit higher ride height. Apparently the OEM springs had sagged a bit in 5 years, and 54k miles. No heavy hauling involved.

I'm sure they've sagged even more in the ensuing 12+ years.

 

[SKRS2]

This is for my 96 4runner from the toyota owners website
I would do it to mine but I'm not sure if they are still doing it.

 

[BlazeRunner]

My '97 had the 20A recall work done in April of 2013, new springs and all. Work was done at Longo Toyota.

 

[AZ4Running]

Yeah 96 to 98 all models have the rear suspension recall. I called to get mine done but my local dealer said for my 97 4wd that they dont replace the springs they just install spring savers, 2wd gets new spring. So I was like screw that i want new springs to fix the rear sag not a band aid like spring savers. So i did not get the recall done i will just wait and do my lift. I tried to get them to do the rear spri gs and just order it in as a 2wd but the service writer told me he cant, BS they can he just did not want to take care of it for me.:AK47::crybaby:

 

[T4R2014]

Yeah 96 to 98 all models have the rear suspension recall. I called to get mine done but my local dealer said for my 97 4wd that they dont replace the springs they just install spring savers, 2wd gets new spring. So I was like screw that i want new springs to fix the rear sag not a band aid like spring savers. So i did not get the recall done i will just wait and do my lift. I tried to get them to do the rear spri gs and just order it in as a 2wd but the service writer told me he cant, BS they can he just did not want to take care of it for me.:AK47::crybaby:

Actually, I think he couldn't. They would need your VIN to order parts to perform the recall. Your VIN would tell whether or not your 4Runner is 2WD. The info on when the recall was performed is kept by Toyota. However, I don't think spring savers are part of the recall. I would try another dealer to verify.

 

[SKRS2]

My '97 had the 20A recall work done in April of 2013, new springs and all. Work was done at Longo Toyota.

mmm I might give my local dealer a call and see it they are still doing it.
My runner hit 200k a few months ago and I'm pretty sure the suspension has not been touched by the previous owners so.... free new parts...hopefully.

 

[SKRS2]

@OP

I called my local dealer and they told me that since is an old recall they will need to inspect my vehicle first to see which parts they would need to fix it.

They are still doing it, but they will need to order the parts first.